EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — (Feb 10, 2024) – The beloved Purple Place, an iconic bar and grill that bid farewell to its physical location in August 2022, is set to make a triumphant return to El Dorado Hills this summer. However, fans should prepare for a twist, as the Purple Place will make its presence felt not within the familiar confines of its restaurant but through a tantalizing food booth.
Denise Hountalas, co-owner of Purple Place alongside her husband Mike, revealed that the food booth will feature the restaurant’s cherished delights, including their signature potstickers, prawn cocktails, and the irresistible ooey-gooey coffee cake.
Mark your calendars, food enthusiasts! The Purple Place’s delectable offerings will be available during the summer concert series at El Dorado Hills Community Park on Saint Andrews Drive, on the following dates:
Friday, June 14, from 7-9:30 p.m.
Friday, July 19, from 7-9:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, from 7-9:30 p.m.
What’s even more heartwarming is that 100% of the proceeds from the booth will go towards supporting local charities. Denise Hountalas expressed her desire to reconnect with loyal patrons, emphasizing, “We can’t find a location, and we want to keep the name alive in the community.”
The Hountalas duo shared their ongoing struggle to find the ideal spot to reopen the Purple Place, acknowledging the challenge of rehoming a historic restaurant that had thrived in its original location since 1955. The restaurant had been a local gem for 17 years, but lease negotiations with the property’s landlord led to its closure in 2022.
In a heartfelt message to subscribers, the couple stated, “It’s tough to rehome a historic restaurant that we built up over the last 17 years at its original location.” Despite being close to securing a new spot a couple of times, the quest for the perfect location continues.
Mike Hountalas, co-owner of Purple Place, has been busy since 2016, operating Poor Reds BBQ, which Denise Hountalas considers a sister location. Poor Reds on Pleasant Valley Road offers a different menu and is open Wednesday through Sunday.
As Purple Place enthusiasts eagerly await its physical return, the food booth promises to be a delightful interlude, allowing the community to savor the iconic flavors while supporting local causes. Stay tuned for a summer filled with nostalgia, community spirit, and, of course, Purple Place’s culinary delights!
